Shortly after Pope Benedict XVI left the Vatican Thursday, O’Malley spoke to reporters in Rome at a news conference with other American Cardinals about who might be the next pontiff.

“I’m comforted by the fact there are obvious candidates who would be competent popes,” O’Malley said. “We’re faced with a number of choices but I don’t think any of us have gone in thinking ‘this is who I would vote for.'”

O’Malley said he’s praying for guidance and has been researching the potential papal candidates on the internet.

“There are some wonderful candidates there and we recognize their talents, goodness and competence,” he said.

When reporters asked O’Malley if the resignation of Benedict XVI would affect who they choose next, O’Malley said “it’s a whole new ballgame now.”

“I can see the conclave deciding to elect an older man realizing he’s not going to have to carry on this burden into his 90’s, and if he becomes incapacitated, he would feel permission to resign,” he said.

There was no talk during the press conference about rumors O’Malley could become the next pope.